Pudge continues to start as Inge recovers

Ever since Jim Leyland began alternating Pudge Rodriguez and Brandon Inge at catcher, Pudge's bat has heated up. But the rotation is on hold because of an injury to Brandon Inge's oblique muscle, which the Detroit Free Press says worries Leyland.

June 19, Detroit Free Press: Leyland wanted to be cautious with Inge's pulled side muscle, which Inge acknowledged has bothered him since he suffered it in Seattle 2 1/2 weeks ago. Yet he has played often since then and has homered twice, including in his most recent game Sunday.

"(Inge) isn't right, and I'm worried about that," Leyland said. "Those things can be lasting and dangerous if you're not careful."

Inge said he got a cortisone shot in the injured area after Sunday's game and he plans to rest all day today on the Tigers' open date. Leyland said Inge might catch Friday in San Diego if he is OK.